Keeping Kosher Prices Kosher

A “selected boycott” of the kosher food market was urged by Rabbi Bernard Rosenzweig, president of the Rabbinical Council of America yesterday. He denounced “the profiteering which exploits Jewish consumers,” at the 43rd annual convention of Orthodox rabbis at the Pineview Hotel here.

“The prices of kosher foods, particularly prior to Jewish holidays, is unconscionable,” he said.” The ensurement of kashrut in itself cannot account for such astronomical prices which reflects greed without conscience. Young couples struggle under the impact of such exploitation and undoubtedly as a result, find themselves unable to maintain their religious observance.”

“I suggest,” Rosenzweig added, “that organized Jewish communities undertake selected boycotts to force legislation of unjustifiably high prices. There is ample Talmudic precedence for such action. In the long run, such exorbitant pricing will drive marginal Jews away from kashrut and therefore, be most hurtful to the entire kashrut industry.”